How to keep a dog off furniture when you're not home

Dog Training: Teaching Your Pup to Stay Off the Couch

Training your dog can sometimes feel like you're trying to teach a toddler how to follow rules... but with more fur. One of the trickiest behaviors to break is getting a dog to stop doing something they’ve already learned to enjoy. And if that something involves your precious couch, things can get a little complicated.

But don't panic! Whether you have a Border Collie like Hulo (the one that sheds enough to make a sweater disappear) or a cuddly lab, the process of teaching your dog to stay off the couch is achievable with patience and a few well-timed strategies. Here's how I tackled the challenge and how you can too.

The Couch Conundrum: Why Dogs Love the Couch

Let’s face it, dogs love comfort. And what’s more comfy than your couch? It’s soft, it’s warm, it smells like you (and maybe even like a tasty snack), and it’s the perfect spot to curl up after a long day of... well, being a dog.

But here's the thing: Just because your dog loves the couch doesn’t mean it’s their right to claim it whenever they feel like it. The couch might seem like an obvious place for your dog to lounge, but that doesn’t mean they should be allowed to sleep there whenever they please, especially when you're not around. While some of us may be okay with the occasional snuggle buddy, others want to maintain clear boundaries about where their dog is allowed.

So, how do we train them to stay off the couch without sounding like a broken record? Let’s dig in.

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Defining the Task: Rewarding the Right Behavior

Dogs are simple creatures when it comes to their behavior. They do things because they get something out of it. If they jump up on the couch and you reward them with attention (or even just the satisfaction of being up there), they’ll keep doing it. It's all about reinforcement.

The trick is to make sure they understand that the couch is not the reward center of their world. Instead, their comfy bed or a soft mat on the floor should be where they find comfort—and, of course, some rewards too.

It’s all about balance. You want to teach your dog that lying on their bed is just as rewarding (if not more) than hopping onto the couch. How? Positive reinforcement. Praise, treats, and affection go a long way in making your dog associate the correct behavior with something they want.

The Commands You Need: "No!" and "Stay Down!"

When training your dog, simplicity is key. The commands “No!”, “Get down!”, and “Stay down!” are all you need. It’s important to use these consistently. When your dog attempts to hop on the couch, a firm "No!" will get their attention. After that, guide them to their own designated spot (like their comfy bed) and reward them with praise and treats when they go there.

But here's the catch: You can't let up. If your dog is allowed on the couch sometimes and not other times, they will get confused. It has to be black and white. No couch, period. Otherwise, your training will be inconsistent, and your dog won’t fully understand what you want.

The Training Process: Starting Small and Building Consistency

Getting a dog to stop doing something they’ve already gotten used to can take time and dedication. This isn’t a quick fix—it’s more like a marathon than a sprint. If your dog has already developed the habit of lounging on the couch when you're away, you’ll need to take some additional steps to help break the cycle.

Step 1: Don’t Punish, Redirect

The last thing you want to do is punish your dog for getting on the couch. A harsh scolding or hitting will only confuse and scare them. Instead, take a gentler approach. Whenever your dog hops up on the couch, simply tell them "No!" in a calm but firm voice. Then, redirect them to their bed or designated area. If they follow your lead and settle there, reward them immediately with praise and a treat.

Step 2: Use Deterrents When You’re Gone

Since your dog doesn’t understand the concept of "while you're away" right away, you'll need a few tricks up your sleeve to reinforce the boundaries. Here are some creative deterrent methods that I’ve found helpful over the years:

The Laundry Basket Method

This method is as simple as it sounds. Gather up a few laundry baskets and place them over your couch cushions whenever you leave the house. Dogs tend to be curious about new things, and when they see the laundry baskets, they’ll get the hint that something's different. If your dog approaches the couch, tell them “No!” and guide them back to their bed. If they lie down, praise them.

Eventually, your dog will stop trying to sneak onto the couch, realizing that the baskets are an impenetrable barrier. And if they knock over the baskets to reach the couch, no worries—just add some noisy tin can rattles inside them. The sound will startle them, reinforcing the idea that the couch is off-limits.

Free e-book you will learn how to play “The Airplane Game” designed to improve your dog’s ability to pay attention to you despite distractions, click HERE

The Pyramid Method

This one is a bit more dramatic but very effective. Build a pyramid of tin cans or small rattling objects on the couch. When your dog sees it, tell them to “Stay down” and redirect them to their bed. Then, leave the house and let them try to get on the couch. If they do, the pyramid will topple, and the noise will startle them.

This method teaches them that the couch is a no-go zone and that trying to get up there will only result in an unpleasant experience.

The Shrieker Mat Method

If the previous methods aren’t working, you can take it up a notch with a shrieker mat. This mat emits a loud noise when disturbed, scaring your dog into avoiding the area. While effective, this should be a last resort, as it may be too intense for some dogs.

Managing Your Dog’s Anxiety: The Licking Issue

Now, let’s talk about another common issue—licking. If your dog is persistently licking, it might be a sign of anxiety, although not always. Licking can stem from boredom, stress, or simply the need for comfort. It’s best to consult with your vet to rule out any medical causes and to see if there are natural remedies that could help ease your dog’s anxiety.

Remember, anxiety-related licking won’t disappear overnight, but with consistent training and plenty of patience, your dog can learn to relax and settle without relying on constant licking for comfort.

Consistency Is Key

Training a dog isn’t an overnight job. It takes time, patience, and, most importantly, consistency. If you let your dog on the couch one day and scold them the next, you're sending mixed signals. Dogs need clear, consistent guidelines to thrive.

Eventually, your dog will learn the difference between the forbidden and the approved furniture. But don’t expect a 100% success rate right away. Even after you’ve put in the work, your dog may test the boundaries now and then. Just stick with it—praise when they get it right, and gently redirect when they don’t.

Hulo’s Story: The Road to Success

Take it from me and Hulo, my 3-year-old Border Collie. She was a couch-jumper in her early years, but through consistent training, we reached a point where she understands exactly which furniture is hers. It took time, persistence, and plenty of positive reinforcement, but it was worth it.

Hulo’s experience shows that with the right approach and patience, your dog can learn to respect the boundaries you set. It might not be easy, but with every small step, you're teaching your dog to make better choices, and ultimately, you're building a stronger bond with them.

Free e-book you will learn how to play “The Airplane Game” designed to improve your dog’s ability to pay attention to you despite distractions, click HERE

Conclusion: Building a Better Relationship with Your Dog

Training your dog to stay off the couch isn’t about being “mean” or “strict”—it’s about creating a peaceful, clear living environment for both of you. By teaching your dog where they can and can’t go, you’re setting them up for success, helping them understand their place in the home, and fostering a deeper, more respectful relationship.

Stick with it, stay consistent, and remember that every step, no matter how small, is progress. And soon enough, your dog will be happily curled up on their own bed, with not a single hair on your couch.

Thanks for your reading.